and so consumed two days and a half in

    At nine the appointed morning Mr. Pettigrew's own horse stood saddled at the door, and Rodney in traveling costume with a small satchel in his hand, mounted and rode away, waving a smiling farewell to his friend and employer.     Rodney did not hurry, and so consumed two days and a half in reaching Babcock. Here he was cordially received by the superintendent whom Jefferson Pettigrew had placed in charge of the mine. Every facility was afforded him to examine into the management of things and he found all satisfactory.     This part of his journey, therefore, may be passed over. But his return trip was destined to be more exciting.     Riding at an easy jog Rodney had got within fifteen miles of Oreville, when there was an unexpected interruption. Two men started out from the roadside, or rather from one side of the bridle path for there was no road, and advanced to meet him with drawn revolvers.     "Halt there!" one of them exclaimed in a commanding tone.     Rodney drew bridle, and gazed at the two men in surprise.     "What do you want of me?" he asked.     "Dismount instantly!"     "Why should I? What right have you to interfere with my journey?"     "Might gives right," said one of the men sententiously. "It will be best for you to do as we bid you without too much back talk."     "What are you -- highwaymen?" asked Rodney.     "You'd better not talk too much. Get off that horse!"     Rodney saw that remonstrance was useless, and obeyed the order.     One of the men seized the horse by the bridle, and led him.     "Walk in front!" he said.